Last week Fiat/Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne set out a long-winded plan for the future of the American automaker and how its future will be closely tied to its new Italian parent company. There was a lot to digest at the seven hour press conference and so we thought a model by model breakdown would be helpful and would shed some light on what appears to be the general plan to eliminate old Chrysler products and replace them with new Chrysler Group-branded Fiat models. So let’s start with Dodge…

DODGE BRAND

From the smallest to the largest vehicles, Dodge will see the introduction of a subcompact car in 2013 based on the Alfa Romeo MiTo. Currently Dodge does not offer a sub-compact with its smallest offering being the compact Caliber, which receives a mild update this year but will be eliminated in 2012 and then replaced the same year by a Fiat Group-based vehicle. Presumably it will be another Alfa Romeo platform, however, the car will be built in the U.S.

Moving to the mid-size segment, the Avenger will also be updated for 2010 and then replaced by a Fiat Group platform in 2013.

The future for the Journey, Grand Caravan and Charger is more positive, with the Journey and Grand Caravan getting updates for 2010 with a new Grand Caravan due in 2014. The Charger will be all-new for 2011 with a new interior and exterior, after originally launching in 2006. A new rear suspension will also be part of the package. As for its Challenger sibling, it will be updated for the 2012 model year.

Two vehicles that will be eliminated are the Nitro and Viper, with the Nitro slated to be scraped in 2011 (with a possible successor), while the Viper will cease production mid next year with a potential sports car replacing it in 2012.

One new model will be added to the Dodge lineup; a seven-seater crossover based on the new 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (pictured above).

RAM BRAND

The new Ram brand still won’t have a lot going on, although Fiat is looking to expand its offerings. The Dakota is scheduled to cease production late in 2011 with a possible unibody pickup to replace it. As for the Ram 1500, it will get a mid-cycle refresh in 2012, as will the heavy duty Ram trucks. A chassis cab version of the Ram will also arrive in 2010.

Two additions to the lineup include a front-drive small work van and full-sized van in 2012. The small van will be similar in purpose to Ford’s Transit Connect and will be based on the next-generation Fiat Doblo. It will be imported from either Turkey or Brasil. As for Ram’s new full-sized van offering, it will be one of two vehicles: either the body-on frame Iveco Daily or the unibody Fiat Ducato. Unlike the small van, this full-sized unit will be assembled in the U.S.

CHRYSLER BRAND

Starting in the small scale, the Chrysler Brand will also get a subcompact, although (surprisingly) it will not be based on the same Alfa Romeo vehicle as the Dodge sub-compact. Instead, it will be underpinned by the next-generation Lancia Ypsilon five-door hatch and will go on sale in 2013.

A new compact sedan (based on a Fiat Group platform) will be launched in 2012. It is not clear if the Fiat Group platform is the same one that will underpin the Dodge compact sedan. The same can be said for the Sebring, which, like its current Dodge counterpart (the Avenger) will get styling updates next year and be replaced by a Fiat Group platform in 2013.

As for the PT Cruiser, it will be eliminated late next year – although we’ve heard that one before.

The Chrysler 300, like the Dodge Charger, will be all-new for 2011 with the new model arriving some time next year. Styling is expected to be evolutionary, so don’t expect much change – which is probably a good thing.

And as for Chrysler’s final product, the Town & Country minivan, it will get updates next year with a new model in 2014. Fiat hopes to differentiate the Chrysler minivan from its Dodge counterpart by taking it more up-market. (Have we learned nothing from the R-Class?)

JEEP BRAND

Finally, there’s the Jeep brand, where we’ve already learned the Patriot, Compass and Commander will be eliminated over the next few years. The first to meet the scrap heap is the Commander, with production ending late next year, while the Patriot and Compass will be get mild updates for 2010 before being retired in 2012. Interestingly, Fiat may build and sell the Commander overseas after 2010.

At the low end of the spectrum, a new subcompact SUV will arrive in 2013 based on the next generation Fiat Panda Cross, while a new compact crossover will arrive the same year based on an unnamed Fiat Group platform. A new Liberty will also arrive that year, again based on a Fiat.

As for Jeep’s core vehicles, the Wrangler will get a new interior next year, with a new engine offered in 2011. The Grand Cherokee will continue on as planned with the new model debuting next year as a 2011 model.

[Source: Automotive News]

Initially thought to be a far-fetched fantasy, Hennessey Performance Engineering has announced that it will debut its Venom GT supercar at the Geneva Auto Show next year and AutoGuide has learned some important chassis and powertrain info about the vehicle. In a chat with company founder and CEO John Hennessy at the SEMA Show last week, he informed us that rather than a more obvious twin-turbo Viper V10 powerplant, the Venom GT will be powered by a version of the supercharged Chevrolet LS9 motor – the same one found under the hood of the Corvette ZR1. This also happens to be the very same engine used in Hennessey’s new HPE700 Camaro where it makes 725-hp.

As for the chassis, as the photos suggest, the Venom is very much a Lotus underneath. The car will be based on a modified Lotus Exige S platform. Hennessey says that his company has always worked with existing platforms and so they chose to do the same with the Venom GT. This project will be far more involved than “just” building a high-performance engine, however, Hennessey says that by using an existing chassis with many existing parts, licensing the vehicle will be much easier and without a donor platform the project would take much longer.

Hennessey also told us that this “all-American” supercar won’t be built in the U.S. Instead, Hennessey has chosen to create the vehicle in the U.K., near Lotus and surrounded by the “cottage-industry” of specialized high-performance shops that exist there as a part of the U.K.’s Formula 1 hub.

In the past, Hennessey has said the Venom GT would make as much as 1,200-hp, weigh just 2,400 lbs, have a 0-60 mph time of 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 272 mph!

We’ll have to wait for the Geneva Auto Show in March to find out more.

GALLERY: Hennessey Venom GT

First unveiled at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the seemingly futuristic Cadillac Converj is now well on its way to production. According to a report in The Detroit News, the Volt-like plug-in hybrid, has been given the green light, but won’t be offered for several more years.

Similar in both look and size to the Cadillac CTS Coupe, the Converj would use a similar plug-in hybrid electric system as found in the upcoming Chevrolet Volt, although presumably with a focus more on power.

By adding an extra PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) to the GM lineup, it would allow for lower cost per unit production of the expensive hybrid system parts – like the lithium-ion batteries. Having a Cadillac PHEV model also makes sense as it will be easier for GM to recoup the cost of the expensive hybrid system in a high-dollar premium vehicle.

Cadillac already sells a hybrid version of the Escalade, but a sporty PHEV luxury coupe would certainly help in creating the sort of brand image that GM has been seeking for Cadillac.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Beijing Auto, the Chinese automaker that has offered to invest in the Koenigsegg-led purchase of Saab from General Motors, has confirmed that in return it will build the current (or previous) generation Saab 9-5 in China. In exchange for its involvement in supporting the deal, Beijing Auto (BAIC) will get all of Saab’s now discontinued 1998-2009 first-generation 9-5 tooling equipment. With the equipment, the Chinese automaker is expected to continue producing the old 9-5 for many years to come.

Beijing has not confirmed if the new versions of the old 9-5 platform will be sold outside of China, but it does expect to have a production facility functioning in the next six months.

[Source: LeftLaneNews]

With our previous glimpses at Bugatti’s 16C Galibier ultra-sedan reportedly leaked, these are the first official images of the car from Bugatti, hinting that the ultra-luxury and ultra-performance Volkswagen brand might be preparing to confirm the car’s production – possibly as early as the LA Auto Show.

Little is still known about the car, other than it will be powered by the same quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine as in the Veyron. The body will be made of predominantly carbon fiber, while the interior (as the pictures confirm) will be a luxurious old-world oasis. And don’t forget the eight exhaust pipes, as well as the Parmigiani Reverso Tourbillon timepiece which can be remove and warn as a watch by the owner.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated on the car’s progress to production. In the mean time, follow the jump for a video of the Galibier.

GALLERY: Bugatti 16C Galibier

See the Bugatti 16C Galibier teaser video after the jump:

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After unveiling the high-performance, European-only M3 GTS last week, BMW has now released several videos of the higher-performance clubsport M3.

Weighing just 3,300 lbs, the M3 GTS features carbon fiber for the center console and door linings, a titanium exhaust system and reduced insulation. What it doesn’t have are rear seats, air conditioning or an audio system. Inside there are also mounts for six point harness seat belts and a roll cage. The M3 GTS, after all, is designed specifically for club racing and track days.

Under the hood, the 4.0-liter V8 gets an increase in displacement to 4.4-liters and a bump in power to 450-hp – up from 416. The seven-speed dual clutch transmission also gets more aggressive settings for quicker shifting.  Other race-ready components include six-piston front calipers and four-piston rear calipers with a more performance oriented DSC setup and a set of 19-inch M aluminum rims.

Outside, there’s a new carbon fiber front splitter and adjustable rear spoiler, while inside, along with the carbon fiber goodies, there’s plenty of Alcantara and an M sport steering wheel.

GALLERY: BMW M3 GTS

More videos after the jump:

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With Volkswagen‘s Jetta TDI posting strong sales, the German automaker has decided to expand it’s Jetta TDI lineup by offering something for the more performance-based diesel fans. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition takes its name from VW’s Jetta TDI Cup racing series, which has been visiting major racing venues around the United States and Canada since 2008.

Sold as a “TDI Cup Edition Kit” the package includes a full four-piece aero kit as well as sway bars, a sport suspension (the same found on the Jetta GLI) and larger brakes with red painted calipers. (Sadly, these are not the R8 calipers the race cars get). Additional features include 18-inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires, sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters (with the DSG).

Under the hood there’s a familiar 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 140-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque. The package will be available on cars with either the six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

“Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle,” said VW of America CEO Mark Barnes. “We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at.”

The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available starting in January with an estimated price of $25,000. The car also qualifies for a $1,300 Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

Official release after the jump:

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It’s just a concept for now, but Shelby Automobiles Inc., is hoping there’s enough interest to go ahead and start building production versions of this muscle truck. Called the F-150 Super Snake Concept, the Shelby-inspired vehicle is based on a 2007 F-150 regular cab and lists extensive modifications to improve handling, styling and power.

For starters, there’s a Whipple supercharger kit under the hood, helping the 5.4-liter V8 pump out 475-hp. Handling is helped out by a big set of 22-inch wheels and a suspension that has been lowered by 3-inches. And inside those wheels is a set of Baer six-piston brakes. As for style, the truck gets a complete aero kit, including a new hood. Additional modifications include a Borla exhaust 3:73:1 rear end and a custom interior.

“Carroll Shelby pioneered the muscle truck segment over 20 years ago,” said Amy Boylan, president of Shelby Autos. “Our team built this concept F150 Super Snake to see if the public is ready for another high performance Shelby truck. We took the same approach to this project as we do for every Shelby. With its ‘look at me’ styling, earth shattering power, stop-on-a-dime brakes and go cart-like handling, it’s a balanced performance truck that’s as desirable to drive as it is to look at.”

Shelby hasn’t yet confirmed if it will offer this package but we imagine its in the cards. If so, it will be available for the 2003-08 F-150.

GALLERY: Shelby F-150 Super Snake Concept

Official release after the jump:

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With all the Camaros at the 2009 SEMA Show, the number of Japanese cars were few and the number of European cars almost non-existent. H&R Springs was one of the few booths with a strong Euro presence with this 2010 Golf TDI being one of our favorites. With a Volkswagen Accessories complete aero kit, it just looks too cool to be a diesel. And yet thats exactly what it is.

The car sits low on a set of H&R Ultra Performance Coilovers, while a set of sway bars help keep it planted in the corners. Also helping in the handling department are some wheel spacers, which make room for the big 20-inch OZ Superleggera HLT wheels.

Additional highlights include the Volkswagen Accessories aluminum pedals and TDI floor mats, Custom Race Tuner exhaust tips, as well as the stylish German flag graphics provided by Sticky Jewel Graphics.

GALLERY: H&R Springs Golf TDI

Mazda doesn’t officially have a presence at the 2009 SEMA Show, but the Japanese automaker did decide to bring two custom cars to Las Vegas. Using in-house parts (many from the Mazda RX-8) and calling upon the automaker’s World Challenge motorsports partner, Tri-Point, Mazda has come up with two fresh and clean examples of the popular Mazda3 and its high-performance MazdaSpeed sibling.

Both cars get a Crystal White Pearl paint job with some faded gray graphics, reminiscent of the style first shown on the Mazda 787B that won Le Mans in 1991. Many of the remaining exterior details get black paint, including the grille inserts, side mirrors, fog lamp bezels and the roof. The front headlamps also get a black treatment. Then both cars have been outfitted with a set of 19×8-inch forged aluminum wheels straight off the RX-8 with a set of 225/40/19 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tires.

The Mazda3s with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder was then shipped over to Tri-Point, which installed the company’s turbo kit to boost power to 250-hp thanks to a Garrett GT2871R turbo.

The front brakes have been upgraded to those of the MazdaSpeed3, with rear brakes coming from the Mazda5. Suspension duties were outsourced to KW, with a Tri-Point rear stabilizer bar.

With the MazdaSpeed3 already finely tuned from the factory, only an AEM air intake was added for a gain of 20-hp. Along with the same exterior changes and wheels, a KW suspension was also added but with new suspension mounts for camber adjustability. The brakes were also upgraded to Stoptech units – the same used on the World Challenge cars.

GALLERY: Tuned MazdaSpeed3 and Turbocharged Mazda3s